Release Date: 27 June 2025 (overseas only)
Genre: Horror-comedy (Punjabi)
Director: Amar Hundal
Producers: Diljit Dosanjh, Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu
š§Ø Whatās the Controversy?
Indian film bodies backlash: Following the April Pahalgam terror attack, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) demanded SardaarāÆJiāÆ3 be denied certification due to its inclusion of Pakistani actorsāmost notably Hania Aamir, along with Nasir Chinyoti, Daniel Khawar, and Saleem Albela .
Calls for blacklisting: FWICE president BN Tiwari warned of banning Diljit and his producers from Indian projects if they proceeded, labeling it a matter of ānational interestā .
Certification withheld: Reports suggest the CBFC may refuse certification under pressure from industry groups and government advisories .
š Diljitās Response & Film Strategy
Trailer dropped overseas: Diljit released the trailer online with a Punjabi quip and confirmed the film will not release in India due to ongoing tensions .
Bold stance: Despite silence on social media, his actionsāsuch as geo-blocking the trailer in Indiaāsignal a defiant, creative choice over political pressure .
Cryptoāpolitical messaging: A recent cryptic Instagram postāāCensored before release?āāhinted at resistance to creative suppression, echoing earlier censorship battles during Punjab 95 .
š Public & Industry Reaction
Netizen rage: Social media has exploded with angerāhashtags calling Diljit a ātraitor,ā urging boycotts, and demanding his removal from future patriotic films like Border 2 .
Celebrity commentary: Musician B Praak posted oblique criticism, further fueling debate .
Outside perspectives: Amid domestic uproar, a Canadian university announced a course examining Diljitās cultural influence, underlining his international prestige .
šÆ Strategic Implications
- Crossāborder art at a crossroads
SardaarāÆJiāÆ3 becomes a high-profile casualty in the IndiaāPakistan cultural freeze, testing the limits of creative exchange. - Industry unity vs. creative freedom
FWICE and government may continue to press censorship, while artists could push back through global releases and thematic boldness. - Diaspora appeal
By targeting overseas audiences, Diljit leverages his global fanbaseāespecially in the UK, Canada, and the USāturning controversy into international traction.